The Supreme Court’s ruling against President Donald Trump’s authority to impose tariffs without Congressional approval is drawing reactions from Wisconsin’s senators and representatives along party lines.
“The President asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the 6-3 decision, released Feb. 20.
“In light of the breadth, history, and constitutional context of that asserted authority, he must identify clear congressional authorization to exercise it,” Roberts wrote.
Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin applauded the court’s decision.
“For nearly a year, Americans have felt the pain of Donald Trump’s reckless trade war – families paying more at the checkout counter, farmers cut off from markets, and manufacturers forced to pay increased input costs,” Baldwin said, in a statement.
“The on-again-off-again trade war has simply been chaos for Wisconsin families and businesses. Today, we saw the Supreme Court rein in this lawless president and slap down his out-of-control tariffs, but the increased costs and uncertainty that Wisconsinites are still navigating is irreversible and will have long lasting impacts.
“I’ll do everything I can to help Wisconsin businesses, farmers, and families navigate the path ahead, but I hope this resounding rejection of Donald Trump’s trade war brings an end to the economic turbulence that has threatened too many Made in Wisconsin farms, small businesses, and manufacturers over the past year,” Baldwin said.
Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson criticized the court.
“The tariff case cried out for a unanimous decision. However, both sides made reasonable arguments leading to a split decision. In the end, SCOTUS decided nothing and created a HUGE mess,” Johnson’s X post said.
“But the underlying mess is created by sloppy congressional language in bills that are not adequately thought through — the half-assed and unprofessional process that I witness daily.”
The Trump administration’s tariff policy has been a huge part of its economic agenda. Supporters say they’re need to help protect U.S. companies from unfair foreign competitors.
Critics say tariffs have raised prices for consumers. Tariffs also hurt U.S. companies which buy goods from other countries, they say.
In May, Beloit-based construction materials distributor ABC Supply Co., owned by Republican mega donor Diane Hendricks, told customers it was raising prices.
During a quarterly earnings on Feb. 11, Harley-Davidson Inc. executives said the motorcycle maker company paid $67 million in 2025 related to tariffs.
That included a 50% tariff on steel and aluminum which cost Harley-Davidson roughly $31 million.
Wisconsin Democratic Rep. Gwen Moore blamed Republicans for price increases.
“Congressional Republicans are enablers of the biggest consumer tax hike in a generation,” Moore posted on X. “They abdicated Congress’ tariff powers and let Trump’s illegal tariffs hit American businesses and families.”
Wisconsin Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan celebrated the ruling.
“Happy Liberation Day! Even the conservative-majority Supreme Court ruled that Trump’s tariff taxes are ILLEGAL!” Pocan posted on X.
This story will be updated.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin politicians react to Supreme Court ruling on Trump tariffs
Reporting by Ricardo Torres, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
